Author: arpita

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Introductory Comments

Electricity is the flow of electrons, a form of energy, which flows from one place to another. The flow of electrons (current) travels through a conductor as opposed to an insulator, through which electricity will not flow. Working with electricity can be dangerous. Engineers, electricians, and other professionals work with electricity directly, including working on overhead lines, cable harnesses, and circuit assemblies. Others, such as office workers and sales people, work with electricity indirectly and may also be exposed to electrical hazards.

Electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard. OSHA’s electrical standards are designed to protect employees exposed to dangers such as electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions. Many workers are unaware of the potential electrical hazards present in their work environment, which makes them more vulnerable to the danger of electrocution

www.OSHA.com      

Meeting Start Question

• What is Electricity?
• What precautions can you take to avoid electrcical injuries?
• Name two electrical hazards that could be found in the workplace.
• What is the term(s) for equiptment isolation from an energy source?

Critical Safety Points

Electrical Hazards

Electrical hazards are associated with inadequate or damaged wiring, exposed electrical parts, wires with bad insulation, ungrounded electrical systems and tools, overloaded circuits, damaged power tools and equipment, and power lines.

Electrical shocks, fires, or falls result from these hazards:

• Exposed electrical parts
• Overheard power lines
• Inadequate wiring
• Defective insulation
• Improper PPE
• Wet working conditions
• Damaged tools and equipment
•  extension cords in the workplace (Prohibited)

Prevention of Electrical Hazards: Consider the following points for safe use of tools:

• Inspect tools before use.
• Use the correct tool for the job and use it correctly.
• Store Tools in a safe manner.
• Use double insulated tools.
• Use tools and equiptment according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
• Visually inspect all electrical equiptment before use. Remove from service any equiptment with frayed cords, missing grounded prongs, cracked tools casings, etc.
• Apply a warning tag to any defective tool and do not use it until the problem has been corrected.

Workplace Safety: The following are some essentials of workplace safety:

• Keeping working places and walkaways clear of electrical cords.
• Planning for every job is vital.
• Always use the right tools for the job.
• Follow procesdures, drawings, diagrams, and other documentation to complete the job.
• Equiptment isolation from energy sources is essential (Lockout/Tagout).
• You should be training to complete the job in the proper way.
• Use appropriate Personal Protective Equiptment (PPE) for the work being done.

Power Tools

Many power tools must have a three-wire cord plugged into a grounded receptacle or they must be double insulated. Some are powered by a low voltage transformer. Power tools safety tips are as follows:

• Use gloves and appropriate footwear.
• Do not use in wet/damp conditions unless designed specifically for this envirnment.
• Keep working areas well lit.
• Ensure stable footing to avoid tripping hazards.
• Keep cords away from heat, oil, and sharp objects.
• Disconnect when not in use and when changing accessories such as blades and bits.

Slips, trips, and falls cause nearly 700 fatalities per year and many more injurious accidents in the workplace according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. OSHA maintains general industry regulations on walking/working surfaces that guard against hazards including clutter, protruding objects and wet conditions. These hazards can harm everyone in a facility, regardless of title or job responsibilities

Slips can be caused by wet surfaces, spills, or weather hazards like ice or snow. Slips are more likely to occur when you hurry or run, wear the wrong kind of shoes, or don’t pay attention to where you’re walking. Trips are more likely to happen when you are in a hurry and don’t pay attention to where you’re going. Falls occur whenever you move too far off your center of balance. Falls account for more workplace fatalities than any other reason.

Reference: 29 CFR 1910.22-.30 Slips, Trips and Falls

Meeting Start Question

• Does OSHA maintain general industry regulations on walking/working surfaces that guard against hazards including clutter, protruding objects and wet conditions?
• Can slip, trip and fall hazards cause harm in a facility, regardless of title or job responsibilities?

Critical Safety Points

Slips – Slips can be caused by wet surfaces, spills, or weather hazards like ice or snow. You can help avoid slips by following these safety precautions: Practice safe walking skills, take short steps on slippery surfaces to keep your center of balance under you and point your feet slightly outward, clean-up or report spills right away.

Trips – To prevent trip hazards: make sure you can see where you are walking. Don’t carry loads that you cannot see over, keep walking and working areas well lit, especially at night, keep the work place clean and tidy and store materials and supplies in the appropriate storage areas.

Falls – To avoid falls consider the following measures: don’t jump off landings or loading docks, repair or replace stairs or handrails that are loose or broken, keep passageways and aisles clear of clutter and well lit, and wear shoes with appropriate non-slip soles.

Common Injuries from Slips, Trip and Falls:

• Sprains, strains
• Bruises, contusions
• Fractures
• Abrasions, cuts

When injuries happen, employees should alert their manager.  The manager or manager on duty reports injuries to Sedgwick at 1-877-576-1911.